Location: 1st Floor, near the main entrancePhone: 404-364-8511Hours: The Circulation and Reserves Desk is staffed when the library is open. Library Hours

Patron Accounts

Before checking out materials for the first time, you will need to activate your patron record at the circulation desk. Students, faculty, and staff should present their Oglethorpe ID. All other borrowers will need a current photo ID and an Interlibrary Use card from your home library.

Accessing your account:
Once your account is activated, you can access your record online by using the Your Account feature of the library catalog. Login with your library barcode and last name. Once logged in, you can renew items, view your current charges, holds, and fines, and check the current GALILEO password.

Keeping your contact information current:
It is important that the library has current contact information on all its borrowers because notices are sent for the following:

when books are recalled

when items are overdue

when missing, recalled, or interlibrary loan materials become available

Borrowing

Who may check out materials at Philip Weltner Library?
1) Current Oglethorpe University students, faculty, and staff:

Present a valid OU photo ID to check out materials.

Spouse, partners, and dependents of faculty and staff may obtain borrowing privileges. See the Circulation Desk for details.

2) Oglethorpe University Alumni who live in the Atlanta area:

Alumni who are residents of the Atlanta area can receive borrowing privileges
upon presentation of a current Alumni card. See the Alumni Association for
details on obtaining this card.

3) Students, faculty, and staff from the following ARCHE schools may check out books:

Agnes Scott College
Atlanta College of Art
Atlanta University Center
Brenau University
Clayton College & State University
Columbia Theological Seminary
Emory University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia State University
Institute of Paper Science and Technology
Kennesaw State University
Mercer University (Atlanta Campus)
Southern Polytechnic State University
State University of West Georgia
University of Georgia

Patrons from these schools must present a valid school ID and a current ILU (Interlibrary Use) card in order to borrow materials. ILU cards are obtained from a designated librarian at your home library. More information about Interlibrary Use Policy.

What materials can be checked out?
Most books, movies, sound recordings, and reserve materials circulate, though some reserve items are limited to library-use only.

Items that do not circulate, unless by special arrangement, are:

periodicals (magazines, journals, and newspapers)

reference books

microfilm and microform

special collections materials

Is there a limit on the number of items that OU students, staff, and faculty can check out?
No.

Books: Through the end of the academic year, Unlimited renewals: A faculty renewal period occurs during the first two weeks of August.
Audiovisual materials: 7 days, 2 renewals

Staff:

Books: 30 days, 3 renewals
Audiovisual materials: 7 days, 2 renewals

Alumni:

Books: 30 days, 2 renewals
Audiovisual materials: 7 days, 2 renewals

ILU users:

Books: 30 days, 2 renewals

Where can I return items?
Books can be returned at the Circulation Desk or in the book drop located in the parking lot behind the library. Reserve items, videos, and sound recordings should be returned at the Circulation Desk to avoid damage. Borrowers will be responsible for AV materials damaged in the book drop.

Borrower Responsibilities:
The borrower bears all responsibility for materials checked out on his or her card. Receipts for returned items are available upon request. Patrons are encouraged to take an active part in ensuring the accuracy of their contact information and library record.

Renewals

Can I renew items?
Books, sound recordings, and movies may be renewed as long as the item has not been recalled or placed on hold. The number of times an item can be renewed varies by item and patron type. See "how long is the check out period" above for more information.

How do I renew items?
Items can be renewed online, over the phone, or in person. After you have reached your renewal limit, items must be brought to the Circulation Desk for additional renewals.

To renew materials online, go to Your Account in the library catalog. Enter your barcode and your last name to access your patron record.

Holds

What is a hold?
A hold is a process to request an item that is currently checked out. The current borrower will not be able to renew the item, and you will be next in line to receive it once the item is returned.

How can I place a hold on an item that is checked out?
Inform the circulation staff which item you want to place on hold. When the item is returned, you will be notified that the item is available for pick-up at the Circulation Desk.

What is a recall?
If a book is already checked out, the current borrower will be notified that another patron needs the book and will be asked to return it early.

How can I recall a book that someone else has?
Notify a staff member at the Circulation Desk.

Why did I get a recall notice?
Any item you have had checked out for at least two weeks is subject to recall. If another user requests the item, you will receive a recall notice. Return the item by the new due date on the recall notice to avoid a fine.

How long do I have to return a recalled item?
You have 7 days from the day the notice was sent to return the item.

Registration Blocks, Fines and Fees

Oglethorpe University students:

Students do not pay fines on standard overdue items, but replacement costs are assessed once items become 40 days overdue.

Students who have any overdue items may have registration and transcripts
blocked until items are renewed or returned.

Overdue fines accrue on recalled items at $1.00 per day.

Overdue fines accrue on reserve items at $1.00 per day.

Library privileges will be suspended and transcripts and registration will be blocked if:
1. Replacement costs have been assessed and remain unpaid, or
2. Another ARCHE library has notified us that you have outstanding fines or fees on your ILU patron account.

Oglethorpe University faculty and staff:

Faculty and staff do not pay fines on standard overdue items, but replacement costs are assessed once items become 40 days overdue.

Overdue fines accrue on recalled items at $1.00 per day.

Library privileges will be suspended once replacement costs have been accessed.

All other borrowers:

Overdue fines on standard items are $1.00 per day. Replacement costs are assessed and your patron record is blocked once items become 40 days overdue.

Overdue fines accrue on recalled items at $1.00 per day.

Students at other schools may find their registration and transcripts blocked due to outstanding fines and books that are more than 40 days overdue. Items that are over 40 days overdue are billed to borrowers to cover replacement costs and fees.

Lost or damaged items are assessed according to actual replacement or repair costs. Fees are:

Replacement cost of the item

Processing fee: $25.00

Lost or damaged items will be replaced after one academic year. Patrons not returning items within that period will be billed for the cost.

Missing Materials

What do I do if I cannot find a book and it is not checked out?

Please notify the library staff. You will be notified within 2 business days about the status of the item.

What do I do if I cannot find a journal that should be on the shelves?